Cargo Description: 1,000 tons of coal loaded at the Pennsylvania Coal Dock in Sandsusky, Ohio and headed to the Pennsylvania and Ashland Coal Company dock in Ashland, Wisconsin.

Length: 186.80

Beam: 32.00

Depth of Hold: 12.00

Hull Material: wood

Gross Tonnage: 523.45

Propulsion Type: sail

Number of Masts: 3

Rig Type: schooner

Vessel

Location

Body of Water: Lake Superior

County: Iron

Vessel

Builder

National Register Status: Pending

Registry Number: 571

Builder: J.L. Wolverton

Year Built: 1861

Location Built: Newport, MI

Owners: L.S. Bowtell of Bay City, Michigan

Home Port: Port Huron, MI

Service History

The Antelope "was originally one of the early steamships on the lakes, but was later converted to a schooner. Built in 1861 in Newport, Michigan she initially carried passengers between Buffalo and Chicago. Some years later her duties became more cargo oriented, and converting her to a schooner meant more freight carrying space. Even as a sailing ship though she still carried her stack right to the end." The "Unholy Apostles" by James M. Keller

Final Voyage

The tow barge, formerly steamer, Antelope foundered off Michigan Island while under tow of the steamer Hiram W. Sibley. The cause of the sinking was supposed at the time to have been the result of the seams opening up on the 36-year-old vessel while under tow at 11 or 12 miles per hour in choppy seas. Her pumps manned, but the water was simply coming in faster than it could be pumped out. Her crew were taken aboard the Sibley without loss of life. The Antelope was laden with about 1,000 tons of coal taken on at the Pennsylvania & Ashland coal dock in Ashland. The vessels were enroute to Duluth. A period account reports the loss in about 360 feet of water. Soon after the casualty, the schooner Gawn sighted wreckage floating off Michigan Island which included the Antelope's cabin.